Five Ways to get Artsy in Myrtle Beach

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Some say Myrtle Beach doesn't have the culture of neighboring cities Charleston and Wilmington, NC, which is fine since they don't have the same great beaches, attractions and atmosphere of the Grand Strand. But for arts and crafts enthusiasts in our area, those critics just don't know where to look. There is art all around us, and here are five places you can soak it up:

  • Art Galleries: The Grand Strand is home to many artists who moved here to capture the magical images of the Carolina coast. Original paintings of Lowcountry scenes and beach sunrises can be found at art galleries through the Strand's many shopping districts. But to see some of the best local artists' works, check out Studio B and the Seacoast Artists Guild at Market Common. Displaying paintings, portraits and the personal collections of local artists, these are great places to pick up a great souvenir you can hang at home to remember your special vacation spot at the beach.
     
  • Art Studios: Why let the artists have all the fun when you can get into the act? Myrtle Beach is home to a couple of franchises that allow patrons to paint their own masterpieces while also enjoying fellowship and a few drinks. Wine and Design and Paint and Unwined are two hands-on art studios where you and friends can put your artistic skills to the test in a fun and casual environment. Get a group together and bring your own wine for an exciting exercise in artistry and entertainment. Take home your work as a souvenir and a testament to your talent.
     
  • Dining: To many, food is art. You can see it in the creative cuisine of many local chefs and culinary artists at eateries like the Boom Boom Wine Room, Crady's, 21 Main and Nosh. Other fine-dining establishments feature art on the walls as well as your plate, such as Collectors Cafe & Gallery and Art Burger Sushi Bar. Featuring the works of local artists and a trendy vibe, these are popular gathering spots for the local art community.
     
  • Festivals: Myrtle Beach loves to throw a party, and many of them come with arts and crafts vendors with rows of tents to display their wares, such as the Myrtle Beach Spring Home Show and Expo (March 5-6), the Can-Am Days festivals (March 12-20) and the Myrtle Beach Highland Games and Heritage Festival (March 18-19). But the Grand Strand is also home to some festivals that are dedicated to arts and crafts, like the popular Art in the Park series. Hosted by the Waccamaw Arts Guild, this event attracts some of the top artists and craftsmen on the East Coast. The spring Art in the Park series has been expanded to two weekends – April 9-10 and April 16-17 at Market Common.
     
  • Museums: The Myrtle Beach area is fortunate to have an art museum steps from the beach at Springmaid Beach. Located just a few blocks south of Compass Cove on Ocean Boulevard, the Burroughs & Chapin Art Museum sits in an old beach house that has been remodeled and relocated to give the museum a beach atmosphere. Touring collections of famous artists are hosted here on a rotating basis, and a standing gallery features historic photos of Myrtle Beach and the works of local artists. The B&C Art Museum, as well as the Children's Museum of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach and the Compass Cove Kids Club, provides special programs that allow hands-on art opportunities for kids.

However you decide to explore your artsy side, you can count on Compass Cove Resort to provide you with inspiration. From watching the sunrise over the ocean from your private balcony each morning to listening to the waves crash on the beach from your cozy room, Compass Cove provides a picture-perfect place to stay for folks interested in arts and crafts.